YMCA Announces Closure of Kingston’s West-End Location

Published on: 2019/06/03 - in News

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario announced today that it is closing its 745 Progress Avenue location in Kingston effective August 16, 2019.

The organization reports the decisions follows long deliberations by the board and senior staff who considered ‘a myriad of factors that impact the viability of the branch, including the significant increase in competition in the local fitness market.’

“We value the trust we have earned in the community, and we know that our loyal YMCA West members will be disappointed to hear this news, however, as we look toward the future, this decision brings us one step closer to building a new centrally located facility,” said Rob Adams, CEO of Eastern Ontario, in a release. “As a charity, we are committed to making responsible decisions, and focusing our resources where we can make the most difference in serving children, youth and families in our community.”

Adams added: “Our recent amalgamation with the YMCA of Brockville Area to become the YMCA of Eastern Ontario allows us to expand our services to children, youth and families in areas where there are currently no YMCA services. We have recently begun to offer after school care services and summer camp programs in Gananoque, for example.”

Approximately 1,750 members are currently served by YMCA West and they will be offered a special discount to continue their memberships using either the St. Lawrence College or Wright Crescent locations.

YMCA reports full-time staff at Progress Avenue will relocate to one of the other Kingston locations. The agency says it is also working with the specialty group fitness instructors, lifeguards, front desk and cleaning staff and volunteers ‘to ensure continued opportunities at the YMCA for as many as possible’.


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